Practical Applications of Design Semiotics

This thesis explores instructional design and how it can be implemented in a large lecture course in order to improve the comprehension and retention of theoretical design concepts. My thesis was inspired by the difficulty in teaching first year undergraduate students design theory in the required undergraduate course Design Survey. One consistent problem is the student\u27s inability to understand how these abstract concepts apply to them individually and within their academic discipline

Candidate evaluation of the Multiple Mini-interview (MMI) as a selection tool for physiotherapy undergraduate students

Within Cardiff University a number of healthcare courses are using the multiple-mini interview (MMI) as a transparent method where the desired attributes of candidates can be assessed. The MMI is an admissions tool designed to replace the traditional interview and its use has been shown in the literature to be more psychometrically sound than the traditional interview format. The MMI is made up of a series of short, carefully timed interview stations which provide information about applicants' ability to think on their feet, critically appraise information, communicate ideas, and demonstrate that they have thought about some of the issues that are important to the physiotherapy profession. Since 2014, 635 candidates have attended the MMI for selection to the Cardiff physiotherapy undergraduate programme. Candidate feedback was obtained voluntarily after interview by means of an anonymous questionnaire with a response rate of 100%. These responses demonstrate high candidate satisfaction with the process and agreement amongst candidates that the MMI interview is fairer than another method of interviewing. Participation in the MMIs were found to be a positive and valuable experience for the majority of candidates. The evaluation data provides evidence as to the acceptability of this innovative method for recruitment to the physiotherapy programme at Cardiff University

Questionnaire survey on treatment principles used in the management of Cerebral Palsy

This questionnaire was sent out to members of a clinical interest group in 2005. The aims were to 1.identify the treatment principles that are used currently by community paediatric physiotherapists 2. identify where the knowledge and expertise was learnt for the range of treatment principles used. There is a need to demonstrate evidence based practice in the management of CP in children. This involves physiotherapists updating their knowledge although currently from a limited evidence base. To give these patients the best, most cost effective treatment more rigorous evidence is needed, but then physiotherapists require the necessary skills to interpret these findings before changing practice

Simulation-based education within respiratory physiotherapy training:a scoping review

Objective The aim of this scoping review is to provide respiratory physiotherapists with guidance on the implementation of simulation-based education Introduction In recent years there has been a widespread rise in the adoption of simulation-based education. A scoping review was decided upon by the ACPRC Editorial Board to focus on any new evidence or guidance in the field. Inclusion criteria 1) Studies investigating the use of simulation-based education within respiratory physiotherapy 2) Meta-analyses, systematic reviews, scoping reviews, randomised controlled trials and observational studies. Methods A literature search was developed and refined through testing. Nine databases were searched between 01/01/2014 and 31/10/2022. Data regarding study design, population, intervention, comparator and control were extracted into a data extraction table. Results were grouped by study design, intervention or context. Results 141 sources were retrieved from the searches. After initial screening 27 sources were included and after full-text review, 25 were included. Sources included: meta-analyses and systematic review and studies considering pre-registration education, interprofessional learning, part-task trainers and postgraduate education. Conclusion There is increasing research output in the simulation-based education field for respiratory physiotherapy. The evidence continues to focus on learner experience. More resources and support are required to increase access to simulation-based education for respiratory physiotherapists